(USDA/FAS) — Canada is the United States’ largest export market for agricultural and agricultural-related products (includes distilled spirits, ethanol, biodiesel, fish, and forest products) with exports valued at $25 billion in 2018, accounting for more than 15 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports to the world. Canada is the only market where U.S. agricultural exports have consistently exceeded $20 billion …
Grassley, Tester Urge USDA to Defend Small Livestock Producers
(NAFB) — A letter from ag-state senators urges the Department of Agriculture to provide protections for livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers. Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and John Tester of Montana, calling themselves the only farmers in the Senate, outlined key to help farmers compete with large corporations. The comments come as USDA begins …
Record Number of Poultry Facilities Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance
Destin, FL (USPOULTRY) – During the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Florida, a record 230 chicken and turkey facilities received safety awards by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs. “We received the …
Perdue Statement on Meeting with Guatemalan Ministers
Washington, D.C. (USDA) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue met with a host of Ministers from Guatemala to discuss implementation of the recently signed agreement between the United States and Guatemala to improve H-2A visa program operations. Following the meeting, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “America’s farmers and ranchers need a legal and reliable agricultural workforce, and we …
Department of Transportation Publishes Hours of Service Proposal
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on changes to hours of service (HOS) rules. The objective is to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. “This proposed rule seeks to enhance safety by giving America’s commercial drivers more flexibility …
Cotton Board Recommends $86 Million Budget and Elects Chairman
Texas cotton producer Jeff Posey elected Cotton Board chairman and new officers elected During its annual meeting in Durham, North Carolina, the Cotton Board reviewed and voted to recommend Cotton Incorporated’s proposed 2020 budget of $86 million to the Secretary of Agriculture. This is a $4 million increase from the 2019 budget. The 2020 Cotton Incorporated plan and budget remains …
Feral Swine Eradication Signup Ends Monday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind potential project applicants that the call for proposals for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) ends Monday, August 19. The first round of pilot projects are being offered in 10 states, those with the with the highest feral swine populations. This does include Alabama, Florida and Georgia. FSCP is implemented jointly by NRCS …
AEM Releases July Ag Equipment Sales Numbers
(NAFB) — July 2019 saw decreases in U.S. sales of combines and four-wheel-drive tractors as well as total U.S. two-wheel-drive tractor sales compared to July of last year. Monthly data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shows U.S. four-wheel-drive tractor sales decreased 4.7 percent in July, compared to last year. U.S. July combine sales decreased 25.9 percent. And, total …
Trump Delays Tariff Hike Until December
(NAFB) —The Trump administration will delay part of a planned tariff increase on China until December. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office made the announcement Tuesday the administration would not implement the planned tariffs. Instead, the tariffs will be implemented December 15, 2019. USTR Robert Lighthizer says certain products are even being removed from the tariff list based on health, safety, …
Georgia Produce Safety Inspections Continue
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Farm Safety Program has helped to develop partnerships and relationships with farmers across the state concerning the regulatory requirements for produce safety under the Food Safety Modernization Act. Farm Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown says the inspections, on farm readiness reviews and training continue. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement …